Georgia Esthetician state board exam: Practice test and essential info

From the bright lights of Atlanta to the Southern charm of Savannah, Georgia is a wonderful state.

And, if there is one thing the inhabitants of Georgia understand, it is the importance of skincare.

Good news for trainee Estheticians, right?

Absolutely! In Georgia, skincare is big business. And this means that, once you qualify, you’ll be busy keeping your clients’ complexions as radiant as the Southern Sun.

But before you can start building your dream career, you’ll need an Esthetician license.

And that means passing your Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ Esthetician exams.

Now, if you’re anything like the students we speak to, you might be feeling a little worried or confused right about now.

And we get it: the thought of scheduling, revising, and sitting exams can be a daunting prospect…

But don’t worry, on this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your exam, answers to all the most common questions, and a free practice test to check you’re prepared!

Go straight to the practice test

The process of registering for (and passing!) your Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers’ Esthetician exams

Now, don’t worry if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all this talk of exams and licences: we’re here to walk you through the process step by step. Starting with…

Step 1: Check you’re eligible to take the Georgia State Board Esthetician exams

The skin is the largest organ in the human body. So, it’s no surprise that you need a license before you can practice as an Esthetician.

But before you can submit an application for an Esthetician license, you must pass both a written theory and practical examination.

And in order to be eligible to take these exams, you must:

Have completed 1,000 school hours in a minimum of 9 months OR
Hold 33 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1,000 hours OR
Have completed 2,000 hours of training as an apprentice in a minimum of 18 months
Be at least 18 years old
And hold a high school diploma or GED

OK, so you’ve checked that you’re eligible to take your exams, what’s next?

Step 2: Schedule your theory exam

In Georgia, your Esthetician exams will take place at PSI centers. And you are required to schedule your exams yourself.

If you studied at school, your education provider will inform PSI when you are eligible to take your exams. And you will then receive an eligibility notice.

This notice will contain important information like your ID number along and instructions on how to book your exams – so keep it safe!

If instead of attending school you have trained via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission before you can book your tests.

Luckily, the process of gaining permission is quite straightforward.

All you need to do is send the following documentation to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers:

All original transcripts of your completed hours AND
A letter requesting that they supply you with a ‘Letter of Eligibility’

There is no charge for your first request for the Letter of Eligibility; however, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.

Then, once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam.

The easiest method for booking your exams is via the PSI website.

And, to apply online, you will need to:

Log onto the PSI website and create an account
Select your written exam
Enter the ID number
Enter your zip code and select your examination center
Choose from the available dates
And finally, make a payment of $45 using a credit or debit card

Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:

By phone: (833) 333-4741
By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Once you have booked your exam, be sure to make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!

Step 3: Arrive at the exam center on exam day

You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled examination time to allow time to sign in and familiarize yourself with the exam process.

It is important to note that PSI does not allow candidates to speak to one another in the test center.

And if you arrive late, you will not be allowed to sit your exam and your fees will be forfeited.

You will then need to reschedule your exam and will have to pay again.

When signing in at your test center, you must produce 2 forms of identification. One must be a government-issued identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport), which bears your signature and has your photograph. The second ID must have your signature and preprinted legal name.

The following forms of ID are acceptable:

Photo bearing ID-

US Government Issued Passport
State-issued driver’s license
US Government Issued Military Identification Card
State issued identification card
US Government Issued Alien Registration Card

Secondary ID-

Credit Card (must be signed)

In the interest of security, and to prevent cheating, you will not be allowed to bring any of the following items into your test with you:

Electronic devices
Bulky or loose clothing
Hats or headgear (except those worn for religious reasons)
Bags or purses
Notebooks or reference books
Food and drink
Writing implements
Good luck charms

When you arrive at the examination center, you will be told where to leave your bags and other personal items. Then, before you enter the examination room, you will be asked if you have any prohibited items and may be asked to empty your pockets.

Then, it’s time to take your exam!

Step 4: Take the written theory exam

The Georgia theory exam is completed entirely via a computer.

Once you have been directed to your seat, you will be prompted to confirm:

Your name
Identification number
And the examination you are sitting

Then, you will be given 15 minutes to complete an introductory tutorial. This tutorial includes sample questions, but the time you take on this task doesn’t impact the amount of time you’ll have to complete your test.

When your test begins, you will have 90 minutes to answer multiple-choice questions covering:

Scientific Concepts (55%)
Skin Care and Services (45%)

In Georgia, all Cosmetology examinations, including the Esthetician theory tests, are developed by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). This means that you can find a full breakdown of what will be covered in your exam here.

Step 5: Get your results

As soon as you complete your first exam, your results will appear on-screen. And an official score sheet will be printed on-site, for you to take away with you.

In order to pass your written exam, you must score at least 70%. And if you fail, you will need to book your test again.

However, try not to be disheartened. If you fail your exam, a diagnostic showing which questions you struggled with will show on screen, allowing you to concentrate your revision on your weaker subjects.

OK, now you’ve taken your theory exam, it’s time to concentrate on your practical exam.

Step 6: Schedule your practical exam

Like the theory, your practical Esthetician exam will take place at PSI centers, and the easiest way to schedule your exam is via the PSI website.

To do this you will need to:

Log onto the PSI website
Select your exam
Enter your ID number
Enter your zip code and select your examination center
Choose from the available dates
And finally, make a payment of $64 using a credit or debit card

Alternatively, you can schedule your exam:

By phone: (833) 333-4741
By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121

Then, once you have booked your exam, make a note of the time and date so that you don’t miss your slot!

Step 7: Arrive at the test center

The process for arriving at your test center for your practical exam is very similar to what you experienced when sitting your written test.

You should arrive 30 minutes early and will be asked to show your ID (don’t forget, if you’re late, you won’t be allowed to sit your exam and will forfeit your fee!).

However, there are some differences you should be aware of:

Students taking the practical exams are expected to wear closed-toe shoes and a smock/lab coat. If you don’t meet this requirement, you will not be allowed to sit your exam and your fee will be forfeited.
You will be expected to bring a model and some supplies with you (a list of the supplies you’ll need can be found at the end of this document).

Step 8: Take your practical exam

After you have signed in and put away any prohibited items (like your purse etc.), it’s time to take your practical exam!

The examination will last for 135 minutes, and you will be given verbal instructions before your test begins.

During your exam, you will be asked to demonstrate the following:

work area and client preparation, and set up of universal supplies (first client)
cleansing of the face with product
exfoliating the face with product
work area and new client preparation, and set up of supplies (second client)
hair removal of the eyebrows by tweezing and using simulated soft wax
facial mask and conclusion of facial service
facial makeup
blood exposure procedure
particle microdermabrasion on the forehead

Your examiner will read detailed instructions before each stage of the exam begins, and they will let you know when your time for each task is running out.

If you would like to read about each task in more detail, a full breakdown can be found here.

Once your exam is finished, you’ll be directed to take a seat to wait for your results. This should only take 5-10 minutes.

Step 9: Get your results

After 5-10 minutes, you will be given a printed score report. The passing grade for your practical exam is 70%.

If you have passed both your theory and practical exams, you are now ready to apply for your license- congratulations!

However, if you didn’t score 70% or higher, you’ll need to book your test again.

Step 10: Apply for your Georgia Esthetician license!

Now that you’ve passed both your written and practical exams, the only thing left to do is to get your license!

The cost of applying for an Esthetician license is $30. And you can either apply for your license online. Or if you prefer, you can download, complete, and post this application form to:

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers,

237 Coliseum Drive,

Macon,

GA 31217

The most common reason for not getting your license is failing your written exams: However, students who use our Esthetician Exam Preparation Package has a pass rate of 98.5%!

Frequently asked questions about the Georgia State Board Esthetician exams

How do I apply for the Georgia Esthetician exams if I am a school-based applicant?

If you have completed an approved Esthetician program via a recognized school, your education provider will inform PSI that you are eligible to take your tests.

You will then receive an eligibility notice containing your ID number along with instructions as to how to book your exams.

You must schedule your exams directly with PSI, which you can do:

Online here
By phone: (833) 333-4741
By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121

How do I apply for the Georgia Esthetician exams if I have studied via an apprenticeship?

If instead of attending school, you have completed your training via an apprenticeship, you will need to request permission from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers before you can schedule your exams.

To make this request, you need to send all original transcripts of hours to the Board office, along with a letter requesting a ‘Letter of Eligibility’ to sit for the exams.

There is no charge for the first request for the Letter of Eligibility; however, if you have to request a second time, there is a $25.00 fee.

Once you have your Letter of Eligibility, you are free to schedule your first exam:

Online here
By phone: (833) 333-4741
By faxing this registration form (found at the end of the document) to: (702) 932-2666
Or by mailing the registration form (found at the end of the document) to: PSI Services LLC, 3210 E Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV 89121

I can’t make the date/time of my examination. What should I do?

If you need to reschedule your examination, you must give at least 2 days’ notice. If you don’t give a minimum of 2 days notice, you may forfeit your exam fees.

How much does it cost to take the Georgia Esthetician exams?

Written Theory Test – $45
Practical Test – $64

Where do the examinations take place?

In Georgia, both the theory and practical Esthetician exams take place in PSI test centers.

How many hours of practical work do I need to qualify for the Georgia State Board Esthetician exams?

If you have studied via an Esthetician program at a beauty school, you must have completed:

1,000 school hours in a minimum of 9 months OR
Hold 33 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1,000 hours

If you have trained as an apprentice, you must have completed:

2,000 hours in a minimum of 18 months via an apprenticeship

Can I complete my hours through an apprenticeship instead of attending school in Georgia?

Yes, the state of Georgia recognizes Esthetician apprenticeships.

Can I take the examinations before I’ve completed the required hours?

No, you must complete your designated hours before you are eligible to take your exams.

How long is the Esthetician written examination?

When you arrive at your exam center, you will have 15 minutes to complete a tutorial explaining how to sit your exam.

You will then have 90 minutes to answer a series of multiple-choice questions.

What’s the format of the written examination?

Your written exam will take place on a computer. It is comprised of multiple-choice questions and a breakdown of what the test includes can be found here.

If you want to familiarize yourself with the testing format, try out our practice test here.

How long is the practical examination?

The practical examination lasts for 135 minutes.

What’s the format of the practical examination?

You will be given a set amount of time to demonstrate a range of different techniques needed for a career as an Esthetician.

A full breakdown of what the exam includes can be found here.

What scores do I need to pass both of my Esthetician exams?

Written Theory Exam – 70%
Practical Exam – 70%

Check if you’re on track to pass your exam by taking our free Esthetician practice test.

Can I take my Esthetician examinations again if I fail?

Yes, but you must pass both exams within 24 months of completing your credit hours.

How long does Esthetician school take in Georgia?

The length of time it takes to complete an Esthetician program at school in Georgia varies. However, your program must be at least 9 months in order for you to be eligible to take your Esthetician exams.

How long does an Esthetician apprenticeship take in Georgia?

In order to be eligible to take the Georgia Cosmetology exams, your apprenticeship must last for a minimum of 18 months.

How do I transfer my Esthetician license to Georgia?

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers are currently determining the endorsement requirements due to a law change which became effective July 1, 2015.

In the meantime, it is best to contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers directly for individual advice.

How do I get my Esthetician license in Georgia?

To get your Esthetician license in Texas, you need to:

Complete 1,000 school hours in a minimum of 9 months OR
Hold 33 Semester Credit Hours from an accredited state technical college encompassing the 1,000 hours OR
Complete 2,000 hours of training as an apprentice in a minimum of 18 months AND
Pass two examinations (written and practical) AND
Submit a successful application with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers

Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be issued with a license.

How do I renew my Esthetician license in Georgia?

In Georgia, you must renew your Esthetician License every other year.

But, in order to renew your license, you must complete 5 hours of training. These short courses are known as ‘continuing education’ and are provided by many schools and organizations.

You will receive a reminder approx. 6 weeks before your license is due for renewal. And, once you have completed your mandatory training, you can apply to renew your license.

The cost of renewing your license is currently $50.